Dr. Wojcinski's timeline is a great case study in how media can work against you and what preparations people in agriculture need to accomplish. Key take away: Obtain training before a real media event occurs. Even if it is for a little bit, that preparation can save you and your livelihood.

Making predictions about the future is part of planning. But how is that working over time? And what do you look at?

What are your tools for making predictions and making plans for the future? There are many approaches and many resources. And yet there is no surefire way to really predict 100%. What can you do? First off is to listen to those that are following some of the detail. For example Dr.

Tom Conley, CPP, CISM, CMAS, President and CEO, The Conley Group, Inc., Cindy Cunningham, National Pork Board, present information on crisis planning and offer a tool kit to address the bad things that can happen to good people.

Being prepared to handle Foot and Mouth disease is a must for milk producers. What is the status of that preparation?

Foot and Mouth Disease presents special problems for the dairy industry which are reason for special planning, like the Secure Milk Supply Project. Dr. Pam Hullinger, University of California-Davis, shares this update with attendees at the National Institute for Animal Agriculture annual meeting. Dr. Hullinger's full presentation along with many others from this important industry meeting are available online at TruffleMedia.com.

Preparing the next generation for their role in the family business can be a constant challenge for the current leadership of the business.

Preparing the next generation for their role in the family business can be a constant challenge for the current leadership of the business. Production, management and leadership skills are all critical abilities that need to be passed on to assure long-term success for the business.

It is spring time and planting is beginning. How do farmers decide on what to plant?

Planting Choices It is spring time and fields are being prepared for planting. But what to plant? How do farmers decide when to plant? And what actions are taken to enhance the environment? Planting choices are the subject of this week's #AgChat conversation.